Major car brand to revive iconic hot hatchback four YEARS after line was discontinued
A MAJOR car brand is putting the fun back into its line of motors with a hot hatchback variant revealed to be in the works.
Peugeot have confirmed a sporty, GTi version of the e-208 is to be produced, according to their new boss Alain Favey.
The French manufacturer, who are part of Stellantis, haven’t had a GTi model in their ranks since the previous generation Peugeot 308 was pulled in 2021.
According to a report by Autocar, Favey said: “I’m in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the e-208 as soon as possible.
“We’ve made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced.”
Excitedly, this will be Peugeot's first sporty electric car - with an aim to make their EVs much more fun.
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Favey added: “We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car.”
Naturally, Peugeot were quizzed on whether the GTi line would be expanded - much like it is for VW - and if a variant could be built with a combustion engine.
He said: “We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well.
"We don't exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there's absolutely nothing planned in that sense.”
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Favey was adamant the was to make the return of the GTi one of his first jobs after taking over as Peugeot CEO; it now appears he’s kept his word.
Autocar have suggested the e-208 GTi will use the same powertrain as the new Abarth 600e - which gets a 237bhp motor.
It weighs 1625kg and delivers a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.2 seconds.
The Abarth also boasts a 278bhp motor in the limited-edition Scorpionissima variant.
This perhaps suggests a special edition, similar to the 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport.
Better yet, the upcoming release of the e-208 GTi likely means a souped up version of the Vauxhall Corsa Electric will also be on the cards - as the two models are twinned.